Christ's Amazing Work

Scripture – Matthew 8:23-27: ²³Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. ²⁴Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. ²⁵The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” ²⁶He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. ²⁷The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Sometimes I wonder why these early disciples found it so hard to trust Jesus. It seems like they were constantly being reminded who He was, yet it never seemed to sink in. Here, for example, they find themselves asking, “What kind of man is this?” They’ve seen so much already, shouldn’t they have a clue by now? At the same time, I find myself constantly learning new aspects of this Lord I profess to follow. And I am still often amazed at things He does.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Will cut these disciples some slack today. For I wasn’t in that boat with them. I’ll keep aware of my own storms and fears. In those moments I will look to Christ for His calming word. I will let myself be amazed.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, I’m sorry for doubting and questioning the faith of other people. Show me the path that is mine. Help me with my own questions. Thank you for your amazing work in my life. Continue, Lord, to carry me into this new day.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting tomorrow morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.

Reading for Sunday, December 2:

Scripture – Matthew 8:28-31: ²⁸When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. ²⁹“What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” ³⁰Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. ³¹The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”